Elbow to Knee Sit-up - How to Perform, Muscles, Variants | SatisFIT Skip to main content

Elbow to Knee Sit-up

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Elbow to Knee Sit-up.

EasyObliques

About this exercise

The Elbow to Knee Sit-up is a core exercise that combines a full sit-up with a cross-body rotation, bringing the opposite elbow toward the knee at the top. It targets the abs and obliques, adding a rotational component to the traditional sit-up for greater core activation.

How to Perform

  • Lie on your back with knees bent, feet flat on the floor, and hands behind your head
  • Brace your core and curl your torso off the floor, performing a full sit-up
  • At the top of the movement, rotate your torso to bring one elbow toward the opposite knee
  • Hold the rotated position briefly, squeezing your obliques
  • Slowly lower your torso back to the floor under control
  • Alternate the rotating side with each rep or complete all reps to one side before switching

Muscle Activation

Primary
Obliques
Secondary
Abs

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Elbow to Knee Sit-up

The Elbow to Knee Sit-up is a foundational movement that builds strength and muscle through controlled, progressive overload. Train it 1 to 2 times per week with 3 to 5 working sets per session, gradually adding weight or reps as form holds up.